Today’s a very exciting day for me — my 1 year blog-iversary! I never guessed a year ago how much fun I would have with this little blog and how many fantastic other bloggers I would meet along the way. More important to me than my blog-iversary, my 14th veg-iversary is on January 30th. Yup. FOURTEEN years. If you count it back, you can figure out that I was 11 and it was Super Bowl Sunday 2000. Weird day to pick? Probably.
The question I (and probably EVERY vegetarian in the world) get the most is “Why?!”. This is something I never like getting in to — people either get offended or just straight up don’t want to hear the answer. I will say that, now, my reasons are rooted in health, science, compassion, and ecology. The reason I stopped eating meat to begin with was entirely compassion. My family had all kinds of animals, adorable animals were always on TV, it just made sense. It floated around in my mind for a while until Super Bowl Sunday when my dad tried to serve pork tenderloin. Being 11, I wasn’t really sure what “tenderloin” was, but I knew it sounded not right. Loin? Seriously? I knew then and there that I didn’t want to eat something’s loins or any other part of it. Later that night, my cousin was roasting marshmallows and I decided to eat my last marshmallow and burnt the hell out of my lip. Like seriously, huge blister on my lip. Totally reinforced it in my mind that this was NOT something I should be putting in my mouth.
To celebrate my blog- and veg-iversaries, several fantastic companies have teamed up with me to give away some of my favorite vegetarian things! Here’s a list of what I’m giving away and why I love it!
- Bob’s Red Mill‘s TVP, Nutritional Yeast, and Flax seed — TVP makes a GREAT swap for meat. It rehydrates quickly and you can flavor it any way you want, making it perfect for TVP tacos. Though I eat cheese, nutritional yeast is my favorite cheese swap. Nacho cheese sauce made in minutes, and there’s no need to spend forever sourcing your cheeses to make sure they don’t contain rennet. If you’re a vegetarian that doesn’t eat eggs, flax can swap out for them in baked goods. Even if you eat eggs, flax is rich in protein and fatty acids. I find my TVP, nutritional yeast, and flax at my regular grocery store (in the baking aisle), but your local organic market should have it. If not, you can order through BRM’s website.
- Nasoya: Coupons for free Tofu, Nayonaise, Recycled Tire Jar Opener — Everyone knows that vegetarians eat tofu <3 Nasoya is my preferred brand — treat it right and it’s always delicious. I think most people have a problem with tofu because they don’t treat it right — you need to press it and marinade it. Tofu doesn’t have much flavor on its own, but like TVP can swap in for meat or be delicious in its own right. I love it in buffalo “chicken” tacos (excuse the poor pictures). Nasoya also generously offered to send 3 jars of Nayonaise and a recycled tire jar opener. Nayonaise is great if you’ve taken the plunge into full-fledged vegan, if you’re a vegetarian that doesn’t eat eggs, or just like mayo and want a healthier option (like me!). And for the jar opener? They send me one, and it’s pretty awesome. My regular grocery store carries a variety of Nasoya tofus and a local organic market has Nayonaise — you can always check before you go out here.
- Theo Chocolate Classic Library (10 bars) — Okay, I get it. Most chocolate bars are vegetarian, why is this here? BECAUSE I LOVE IT. That’s why. Theo Chocolate’s passions align with my passions. They were the first chocolate company to be certified organic and fair-trade, and it doesn’t hurt that they have delicious stuff. But you already know that I love Theo. They’re also amazing to work with and I don’t just say that because they send me the same Classic Library as a blog- and veg-iversary gift <3 You can buy Theo Chocolate on their website, Whole Foods Markets nationwide, and Meijer locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. They just started carrying them at my local Meijer –> cue my excited face. I can reliably find the dark chocolate coconut.
- Amy’s Kitchen Coupons for beans and any Amy’s product — Let’s get real here, vegetarians eat a lot of beans. When first making the switch, it’s nice to rely on a great source or protein that’s still familiar. I also think their frozen meals are fantastic. Being a vegetarian can often be very inconvenient, but being able to find healthy, frozen, no fuss dinners when you’re in a hurry makes life a million times better. I love cheeseless roasted veggie pizza, Indian paneer tikka, and the veggie loaf meal. Check out the store locator if you haven’t seen Amy’s in your local grocery store (all the stores in my town have at least a handful of options in the freezer plus soups and beans on shelves).
- Happy Herbivore Light & Lean courtesy of BenBella Books — If you aren’t familiar with Happy Herbivore, I’ll wait a minute while you go check her out. Lindsay’s recipes are easy to follow and customize, plus they’re vegan and don’t have any added fats. I have always cooked and have loved cooking, but I truly started to feel more confident in trying new things when I picked up Lindsay’s first book. Light & Lean is her most recent book. I was sent a copy to review and am in LOVE with it. If you’re just starting to eat less meat or have been meat-free for years, I think it’s important to mix things up and push yourself to try new ingredients to keep yourself interested.
- Stubb’s liquid smokes — How much do I love liquid smoke? Let me count the ways! It’s great for adding a meaty flavor, while keeping a meal vegetarian or vegan. Granted I haven’t had beef in 14 years, but I think it helps give foods a convincing flavor. You can find Stubb’s in with the BBQ sauces (they make those too) or buy online. My favorite is the hickory.
In addition to everything above, I’m also providing the following:
The total value of this price pack is approximately $175! Woah, right? There will also be a second winner receiving another Bob’s Red Mill prize pack, because they know how to celebrate! To enter, use the Rafflecopter below. This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18+. Other than the bottom list, all items will be shipped directly from the sponsor.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. All of the listed businesses have provided me with free product to giveaway and some have provided items for review. I was not compensated in any other way.
Special thanks to all the lovely ladies who’ve helped me promote this giveaway — I owe them all candy and cookies and vegetables and stuff 😉
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Tagged with: Giveaway • Vegan • Vegetarian
[…] I leave you today, I want to demand highly encourage you to head on over to Kelly’s blog, Hidden Fruits and Veggies. Kelly has guest posted here on the blog and has a wonderful blog, herself. You will find super […]
[…] but I’m assuming by the time anyone reads this, I’ll have emailed the winner of my 1 year blog-iversary giveaway! So congrats whoever that is, I’ll probably put their name up in glitter or something […]
apple butter grilled chesse for me, yum!
Super Quick and Easy Whole Wheat Bread
I love the Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta recipe and happy birthday to the blog!!!
Its pancakes for me..
Congrats on your dual anniversaries! I never noted the actual day I went veg, but it was over 35 years ago (guess I’m older than you 🙂 )
Wow Karen, 35 years! You should set asside a day to celebrate, even if you don’t know the original date. I always like to have a vegetarian dinner party with my friends or go out to a restaurant. It’s nice to make a little bit of a fuss to recognize the accomplishment and remind yourself that even if it’s extra work sometimes, it’s always worth it.
I agree…great idea!
Just discovered today that I hadn’t gotten an email to confirm my subscription to your blog. Was in wordpress dealing with some other subscriptions, and discovered a ‘pending’ subscription for you! (guess I don’t go there too often 🙂 )
Sorry!
But at lest now I’ll get updates!
Better late than never, right? Glad to have you following along 🙂
Pumkin spice latte oatmeal
[…] call to enter my 1 year blog-iversary giveaway! Ends Thursday, January 30th at 11:59 […]
Woohoo! Congrats! I recently discovered your site and I love it. I MUST make your Gingerbread Spice Scones…they are calling my name!
Congrats on the anniversaries! I’ve only been a vegetarian for about a year, so I haven’t even tried TVP or tofu yet! They are a little intimidating for me, but I think those TVP tacos are calling my name!
Congrats on a year of being vegetarian, Lindsay! I can’t imagine a life without tofu or TVP. TVP is a little easier to work with (and probably a little less of an acquired taste), so I think you should try it ASAP!
The Buffalo Veggie Pizza
Found your blog through making thyme for health. I’m drooling over those Gingerbread Spice Scones. I have to make those! Congrats on the 1 year!
Thanks for the giveaway! The “Fajita Tater Tot Casserole” looks amazing!
I would say the BBQ Sweetpotato Quesadilla
my girls love pretzel so I am going to try sweet mustard pretzel.
I’d have to say my favorite is your pancake recipes =)
I want that Spinach and Artichoke Pasta in my mouth, ASAP.
Chia seed pancakes!
I like your Fajita Tater Tot Casserole recipe
My favorite is your spinach pancakes love something a bit savory for breakfast and hard to find a good recipe for vegan pancakes but these work!! Congratulations on your veggie anniversary!
[…] Ending on: 01/30/2014 Open to: United States Enter this Giveaway at Hidden Fruits and Veggies […]
Lots of great recipes. I really like Easy Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce.
I love the buffalo veggie pizza. I really love all veggies! Thanks for an awesome blog, recipes and congrats!
I remember the pork loin fiasco. Todd was so pissed you wouldn’t eat it. It was expensive! But I don’t remember the marshmallow. Congrats Kelly!
Nikki, I just dont get why you would eat something called loins. The marshmallow part was the worst. I couldnt play in band class for at least 3 days, though, so that was fun.
Wow! You are very generous! Happy Veggies for Everyone!!
I love your recipe for vegetarian meatloaf. I’ve never tried liquid smoke though. I’ve always thought it was too chemical-y, but I would like to try the Stubb’s brand.
If you read the ingredients, there’s not many chemicals. I’m not positive how it’s made, but it appears to be mostly natural flavors.
Glad to have found your blog. I will be back.
Happy Anniversary!!! 🙂
That tator tot casserole looks amazing! Anything with tator tots is worth having around!
pancakes!
My favorite meatless meal is probably “mexi-bowls” that I make nearly every week at our house – brown rice or quinoa, a layer of a ton of sauteed and seasoned veggies, and avocado and salsa on top!
Congratulations, Kelly!! So excited for you! I have been wanting to make your s’mores poptarts forever now. I have them pinned – hopefully soon!!! I also love every one of your meal ideas – haven’t made any yet, but plan to soon!!!
I love the Caesar Salad Dressing recipe! Sounds so much better than store bought!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
My fav was the raspberry wontons things!….Hi Kelly! Congrats on your anniversaries! We have to get together so i can see your smiling face soon…Take care chic!
Congrats on your anniversaries!!!! So Exciting! I’m a new reader but I’m loving the idea of spinach in pancakes! I’m going to have to try that asap!!! <3
Ha, and I almost forgot, I’m here for the Apple Butter Pancakes 🙂
You have a great blog, I’m glad I found it. Have a Happy blog anniversary!
Chia pancakes!
Congratulations chica!! SO exciting!! And this is quite the giveaway. Hmmm my favorite meal from your blog…that’s tough. I have to say the fajita tater tot casserole will always have a place in my heart!
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Braid… yum!
Congrats! And I like the fajita tater tot casserole!
That vegan cheese I’m still talking about! I put it on a egg sandwich and oh goodness…! Happy Blog Day Girl, so happy I was able to find you and connect! 🙂
Congrats Kelly! You’ve had one delicious year. Here’s to many more!!
[…] I failed to mention an awesome giveaway taking place at Kelly’s blog, Hidden Fruits and Veggies, yesterday. It marked the one year anniversary of her blog and the fifteenth anniversary of her […]
Probably my lasagna. It’s packed full of veggies.
I love raw chocolate avocado pudding.
Happy Blogiversary! I am so glad I just discovered your blog! I can already tell I am going to love it! I just recently decided to eat mostly a meat free diet, so I have a feeling you can give me some yummy recipe ideas. 🙂
pancakes! I’m a breakfast girl! Hope you ate some today to celebrate!
love your chia seed pancake recipe! it has become a weekly weekend brunch tradition!
Thanks, Sue! That’s so nice to hear — I make some variation of them almost every weekend, too 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!!!! I am thankful to have found your blog!!!
So happy I found your blog – this is an awesome giveaway. I am a huge veganaise fan, but I have never tried Nayonaise. A tofu press would be awesome too – you are so right about tofu being delicious if pressed/ marinated properly! 🙂
Happy Blog Anniversary! As a fellow vegetarian, I’m so happy to have found your blog. 🙂
Happy Blogiversary and almost vegeversary!! SUCH awesome accomplishments! I LOVE visiting your blog each day and I cannot wait to see what you come up with in the next year. And to answer the giveaway question…I love your dijon veggie couscous!
Thanks, Hannah 🙂
Happy Blogiversary, Kelly! Congrats, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with in year 2!
Your recipes look so good! Can’t wait to try them. One I’m really looking forward to making is the Raspberry Chia Seed Pancakes. Love raspberries, love chia, mouth watering already!
April, that’s a good one! Definitely an easy breakfast that’s SO tasty.
And btw- your pancakes are my fave recipe of the blog!
Oh my gosh! 1.) Happy Blogiversary and 2.) What an awesome giveaway! My favorite meatless meal is veggie and avocado sushi! I also loooove tortilla pizzas.
Sunnie, I LOVE sushi with avocado in it, it’s the best!
I immediately try your pancake recipes when you post them! APple butter pancakes..OMG
Chia seed pancakes and Fajita Tater Tot Casserole!
Yay! Congrats on 1 year of blogging and 14 years meat free! Awesome giveaway – if I were a US resident I would be all over this!!
Sorry Christine 🙁 Wish I could’ve had it world wide. I feel like everyone outside the US misses out on a lot of neat giveaways
Happy blogiversary! I haven’t tried it but your Fajita Tater Tot Casserole looks amazing!
Hi Stacy, it very quickly became a favorite in our house, hope you give it a try!
Congrats!
This is exciting. My favorite of your recipes is the Cheesy Rice and Broccoli Casserole, although the hash and wontons are close behind
Hi Connor, there’s something just so comforting about a rice and broccoli casserole, right?
I love all your recipies!
[…] Today is a very special day, it’s my friend Kelly’s one-year blogiversary! […]
HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY (and vegeversary!)!!!! Soooo happy we’re bloggy buds! I love all your foooood!
Thanks, Kayle! 🙂
Happy Vegeversary & Blogoversary – I hope you celebrate by eating a LOT!
I’m new to your blog but happy birthday! Just by taking a peek there looks like so many great recipes…I can’t wait to discover more!
So happy I found your blog through the Clean Eating Veggie Girl! Your recipes pages aren’t loading for me for some reason, but I will definitely be checking them out 🙂
oh no! Can you send me an email and tell me exactly what the problem is/what browser you use? I’ll put Josh on the task of fixing that ASAP – email is Kelly (at) hiddenfruitsandveggies.com
My favorite recipes of yours are Chia Seed Pancakes and TVP tacos!!!! Your blog rocks! 🙂
Happy birthday to your blog!! I’m so happy we found each other in the blogosphere 🙂
Congrats on both anniversaries!!! 14 years – that’s so awesome! I absolutely love your blog and can’t wait for all the recipes to come!